Pafos Live 30 October 2023
The first phase for the improvement of the road network in the Akamas National Forest Park has begun and has already raised serious concerns, BirdLife Cyprus said in a statement. "Following site visits, we have noticed that the legally binding conditions set for the protection of the area are not being met.
Arbitrary widening and clearing, multiple and incompatible retaining walls and uncontrolled dumping of excavation waste are just some of the examples of violations observed in recent days in the area. In addition, despite the promise of the competent authorities to remove illegal restaurants / refreshments in the area before the start of any project, we observe that these still exist and some operate normally until today."
The association denounces the violation of legally binding terms in the Akamas National Forest Park and calls for an immediate suspension of works until the violations are investigated, as well as explanations are provided by the State. "From the recent visits to Akamas, the whole scene does not refer to the improvement of the road network, but unfortunately to the creation of a road network completely incompatible with the natural landscape of Akamas.
We have expressed in the past our strong concerns regarding the implementation of the Sustainable Development Plan of the Akamas National Forest Park. This plan includes, in addition to improving roads, 14 infrastructure junctions, some of which include refreshment bars in areas of great ecological importance.
Upgrading roads out of context, and before a visitor management framework comes into force as foreseen by the Plan itself, raises concerns and doubts about the whole project and above all about the future of Akamas."
